One of the trademarks of Kyle Whittingham's coaching staff is their ability to find, evaluate and recruit athletes that have taken non-traditional paths to FBS football. Over the years, these athletes - many of whom have come from the JUCO ranks- have been a major part of Whittingham's success. The Utes went to that well again this weekend, landing a commitment from College of San Mateo defensive back Jordan Fogal.
Fogal's Path to Utah
Fogal arrived at CSM as a full qualifier out of Arroyo High School (San Leandro, CA), and made an immediate impact as a freshman during the 2013 season. Although a knee injury prevented Fogal from playing last season, the injury enabled him to complete his AA degree. Because he has his degree, Fogal is expected to arrive on campus within the next couple of weeks and join the team for summer conditioning. He'll participate in fall camp and will have three years to play three.
One of the main reasons that Fogal chose the Utes over offers from UTEP and Washington State was his relationship with his recruiter, safeties coach Morgan Scalley. According to Fogal, Scalley's energy and upfront approach made the decision to attend Utah fairly easy.
What Fogal Brings to the Table
Although he played cornerback in high school, Fogal developed a reputation as an aggressive safety that plays bigger than his size (6-foot, 180 pounds) during his freshman year at CSM. When he gets to Utah, Fogal will return to his cornerback roots, primarily seeing most of his reps at nickel back. Fogal's ability to play safety as well will give Utah additional flexibility with what they can do with their personnel packages, allowing them to mix up coverages while moving him between nickel and safety (which is something they did with Justin Thomas last season). Fogal has good speed, and is an excellent tackler. His aggressiveness and fearless play make him an ideal candidate to play in the middle of the field.
Watch Fogal's film here.
What the Commitment Means for the Class
Cornerback is a big need for the Utes moving forward, and Fogal will help fill that need. Although he won't show up on the "official" commitment list for 2016 since he'll already be on the roster this fall, Fogal's decision will have an impact on the number of corners the Utes go after for signing day 2016. Since Fogal plays Nickel, look for the Utes to focus the remainder of their efforts on outside corners and take at least two more players (with one coming from the JUCO ranks) in the class of 2016. Because Fogal is a corner, the Utes will also be able to take JUCO FS Markell Simmons (who is another recruit that plans on taking a non-traditional path to Utah).
Feel free to ask questions in the thread below.
Fogal's Path to Utah
Fogal arrived at CSM as a full qualifier out of Arroyo High School (San Leandro, CA), and made an immediate impact as a freshman during the 2013 season. Although a knee injury prevented Fogal from playing last season, the injury enabled him to complete his AA degree. Because he has his degree, Fogal is expected to arrive on campus within the next couple of weeks and join the team for summer conditioning. He'll participate in fall camp and will have three years to play three.
One of the main reasons that Fogal chose the Utes over offers from UTEP and Washington State was his relationship with his recruiter, safeties coach Morgan Scalley. According to Fogal, Scalley's energy and upfront approach made the decision to attend Utah fairly easy.
What Fogal Brings to the Table
Although he played cornerback in high school, Fogal developed a reputation as an aggressive safety that plays bigger than his size (6-foot, 180 pounds) during his freshman year at CSM. When he gets to Utah, Fogal will return to his cornerback roots, primarily seeing most of his reps at nickel back. Fogal's ability to play safety as well will give Utah additional flexibility with what they can do with their personnel packages, allowing them to mix up coverages while moving him between nickel and safety (which is something they did with Justin Thomas last season). Fogal has good speed, and is an excellent tackler. His aggressiveness and fearless play make him an ideal candidate to play in the middle of the field.
Watch Fogal's film here.
What the Commitment Means for the Class
Cornerback is a big need for the Utes moving forward, and Fogal will help fill that need. Although he won't show up on the "official" commitment list for 2016 since he'll already be on the roster this fall, Fogal's decision will have an impact on the number of corners the Utes go after for signing day 2016. Since Fogal plays Nickel, look for the Utes to focus the remainder of their efforts on outside corners and take at least two more players (with one coming from the JUCO ranks) in the class of 2016. Because Fogal is a corner, the Utes will also be able to take JUCO FS Markell Simmons (who is another recruit that plans on taking a non-traditional path to Utah).
Feel free to ask questions in the thread below.
